The values of St. Vincent de Paul
(1581-1660), the Patron Saint of Christian charity, continue to
inform and inspire St. John’s students, faculty, staff and extended
community. As a Vincentian university, St. John’s is committed to
following St. Vincent’s teachings, which emphasize respect for the
individual, service to the needy, human solidarity and adherence to
the belief that giving of one’s self helps make the world a better
place.
St. Vincent’s teachings form the core of St. John’s philosophy,
which is driven by a passion for education and guided by a simple
truth: Higher education is about more than getting a job; it’s
about learning how to make a difference in the world. Consequently,
a St. John’s education encompasses both academic study and direct,
shared experience in helping those less fortunate. For example, our
curriculum includes "academic centers of excellence" that emphasize
research into the mechanisms of sustainable global development and
social justice. What’s more, we actively involve students in
volunteering, mentoring and "service learning" programs that extend
across our campuses and around the world.
When you visit St. John’s, you’ll observe the vibrant diversity and
easy fellowship among students and faculty, in an environment where
people from all walks of life can convene in an atmosphere of
mutual respect and common purpose.